Older Workers Committee

January 30, 2018: 10:00 AM
Marion Martin rm, 45 Commerce Dr, Augusta


OLDER WORKER COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES JANUARY 30, 2018 Present: Peter Letourneau, Jim McGrath, Peaches Bass, Melinda Wildes (Phone) Staff: Cheryl Moran Cheryl Moran opened the meeting with welcomes and introductions. SWB Update ? Peaches Bass Peaches reported the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is going to release the PY17 funds to the Local Workforce Boards (LWBs). PY17 started last July 1. The State Workforce Board (SWB) would like to see budgets that reflect the 70% on training that includes staffing and additions. The SWB was confident on the 70% vote being carried. Contracts will be written for the 3 Local Workforce Boards as long as they submit a plan reflecting the 70%.

Publicizing the Silver Collar Award ? promote this award even harder. Such as contacting Maine Seniors or the Senior Living magazine, just to name a few. Important: Must speak with Laura Hudson, Director of Communications, MDOL for advice/approval.

Goal ? to have Peter Letourneau appointed as Chair before the next Older Workers Committee meeting.

Discussion: Why employers may not hire older workers ? advantages and disadvantages. Advantages: ? Job sharing ? Already have medical benefits ? Children are grown Disadvantages: ? Ability to work number of hours beyond regular hours ? Salaries (suspects one of the big reasons) ? Health concerns ? Required more time off ? General perception

What would a doable outreach strategy look like (for the Silver Collar Award): ? Post-card style advertisement ? Think about who we can partner with? ? Partner with someone who is not a government agency for example: small business associations ? SHRM convention at the Samoset ? have a table? ? University of Maine Center on Aging ? UMO Speak with Laura Hudson on this subject also.

Next meeting: Develop an outreach strategy for the Silver Collar Award.

Meeting adjourned.

Next meeting will be held on Monday, April 23 from 10am ? Noon in the Marion Martin room, CMCC Augusta.

Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Moran


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